11 Home Remedies for Dry Cracked Feet (Number 10 is Pretty Out There!)

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The winter season is not all rosy cheeks and pumpkin spice lattes – it’s also an occasion for blistering cold weather, vulnerable immune systems, and compromised skin. While you may focus on preserving the glow of your face and other obvious problem areas – the lips, knees, and elbows – you are likely ignoring one of the most susceptible parts of your body: your feet. With cold, dry air circulating, dry cracked feet are a common symptom of the fall and winter seasons. Don’t turn to over-the-counter medications, though. Many are full of chemicals and other harsh ingredients. Instead, take refuge in the comfort of your own pantry.

Dry cracked feet can occur for a variety of reasons, such as special skin conditions, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiency, weight problems, and aging. Weather though also plays a role. Fall and winter seasons draw moisture from your heels and leave them irritated. If left neglected, your heels can become cracked, making them more prone to harmful bacteria and infections.

11 Home Remedies for Dried Cracked Feet

1. Foot Bath

Soak your feet in warm soapy water. The water adds moisture to your heels and makes them easier to treat. Do this for 10-15 minutes per day until desired results are seen.

2. Pumice Stone

After 10-15 minutes of soaking your feet in a warm bath, use a pumice stone to scrub at the heels, removing dead skin cells and smoothing out the area. Soak for another 10-15 minutes before patting your feet dry and applying your choice of oil liberally to your heels and soles.

3. Vegetable Oils

Vegetables oils, including olive, sesame, avocado, jojoba, and coconut oils, are effective treatments. They return moisture and nutrition to your heels and soles.

4. Wool Socks

Part of what causes cracked dry cracked feet is a loss of moisture. Wool socks help to trap body heat, keeping moisture close. After a foot bath, pumice stone scrub, and an application of vegetable oil, slip on wool socks to better infuse your feet with the oil.

5. Gel Heel Socks

Gel heel socks are a step above wool socks. They keep heels soft and smooth, eliminating cracks and hard, rough skin. They heal chapped skin and heel pain and allow for the better absorption of oils and creams. Gel heel socks are available in various designs and usually inexpensive.

6. Rice Flour

Rice flour exfoliates your feet and helps to remove dead skin cells. Make an exfoliating scrub with a handful of rice flour, a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of honey. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl until it resembles a thick paste. Add more rice flour if too thin or more apple cider vinegar if too thick. Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using the paste to scrub your heels.

7. Lemons

The acidity from the lemons can be very effective in softening rough, cracking skin. Soak your feet in warm water mixed with the juice of 2-3 lemons.

Bananas offer a nutritious boost to your skin whilst moisturizing it more thoroughly. Mash one banana and apply it to your heels. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing clean.

11. Honey

Honey has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. Add 1 cup of honey into a tub filled with warm water. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, followed by a pumice stone scrub and moisturizing treatment.

@ellicecampbell

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